Perforating gun loading and storage facility

ABSTRACT

A perforating gun loading and storage facility is disclosed. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the perforating gun loading and storage facility includes, a floor without venting, a roof comprising a layer of steel and a vent for energy release, and a set of external walls enclosing a region between the floor and the roof forming an internal region within which a perforating gun is to be loaded and handled; each of the set of external walls having a layer of steel.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/087,661 entitled “Jet Perforating Gun Loading and Storage Facility”, which was filed on Aug. 9, 2008, the contents of which are expressly incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Gun loading facilities typically carry large amounts of explosives in magazines and inside loaded guns. Personnel also access the loading facilities to transport explosives and/or to load guns. In a gun loading facility, guns are brought into a loading area and set on a bench or table. The guns are then disassembled and installed with explosives carried over from the magazine. Once the guns have been loaded, they are subsequently reassembled and in some instances, placed onto a rack for holding loaded guns.

However, gun loading facilities may be located within or around other facilities and equipment including but not limited to, working individuals, offices, vehicles, gas pipes, electrical wiring, etc. In the event of accidental detonation of the explosives in the gun loading facility, damage to surrounding areas and risk of injury to personnel and equipment is often severe. For example, debris and fragments, and in particular, sharp debris created from an explosion can be accelerated outwards and injure nearby personnel. Furthermore, underground structures such as gas pipes may be damaged. The exposure of gas to excessive heat may cause an additional source of explosion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a top view of an example layout of a gun loading and/or storage facility showing the storage area and the process area, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 1B illustrates a roof view of an example layout of the gun loading and/or storage facility showing the roof vents, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 1C illustrates a table having the required Q-D standoff distances computed for 120 kg TNT placement, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 1D illustrates a graphical depiction of the position of the ‘front’ and ‘other’ sides of the building referred to in the table of FIG. 1C.

FIG. 1E illustrates a graphical illustration of the constant pressure contours surrounding the gun loading/storage facility associated with the Q-D standoff distances listed in table 1, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of an example of the main frame section of the gun loading and/or storage facility, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a sectional view of the external wall, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates a sectional view of the roof cladding, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a sectional view of the interior wall separating the process area from the storage area, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 6A illustrates a top view of an example door and barrier layout configuration, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 6B illustrates a side view of the example door and barrier layout configuration, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 7A illustrates an example foundation plan showing the footings and slabs in the flooring, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 7B illustrates an enlarged top view of a portion of the footing on the perimeter of the building from FIG. 7A, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 7C illustrates sectional views and of the footing section at the perimeter walls, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 7D illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the concrete footing of FIG. 7C, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 7E illustrates an enlarged top view of the center column anchorage section, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 7F illustrates cross sectional views and of the center column anchorage of FIG. 7D, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 8A illustrates an example floor plan showing layout of the walls of the perforating gun loading and storage facility, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 8B illustrates a sectional view of a portion of the interior wall and a portion of the exterior wall shown in FIG. 8A, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 8C illustrates a sectional view of a portion of the interior wall and exterior wall connection and the corner seam of the exterior wall illustrated in FIG. 8A, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 8D further illustrates a sectional view of a portion of the magazine wall illustrated in FIG. 8A, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 9A illustrates an example roof plan showing layout of the vents on the steel roof, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 9B illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the roof without a column connection and a portion of the roof with a column connection illustrated in FIG. 9A, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 9C illustrates a side view and a cross sectional view of the roof portion without a column connection illustrated in FIG. 9B, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 9D illustrates a side view and a cross sectional view of the roof portion with a column connection illustrated in FIG. 9B, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 10A illustrates another side view of the main frame section of the facility, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 10B illustrates rear and front views of the main frame section of the facility, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 10C illustrates a cross sectional view of a portion of the roof showing the roof support of FIG. 10A, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 10D illustrates the side view and cross sectional view of the beam/wall connection, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 10E illustrates the side view and cross sectional view of the roof/end beam connection, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 11A illustrates the side view and the cross sectional view of the door barrier, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 11B illustrates the door barrier anchor section and the door barrier member section, according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description and drawings are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description. References to one or an embodiment in the present disclosure can be, but not necessarily are, references to the same embodiment; and, such references mean at least one of the embodiments.

Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not other embodiments.

The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in the specific context where each term is used. Certain terms that are used to describe the disclosure are discussed below, or elsewhere in the specification, to provide additional guidance to the practitioner regarding the description of the disclosure. For convenience, certain terms may be highlighted, for example using italics and/or quotation marks. The use of highlighting has no influence on the scope and meaning of a term; the scope and meaning of a term is the same, in the same context, whether or not it is highlighted. It will be appreciated that same thing can be said in more than one way.

Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein, nor is any special significance to be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. Synonyms for certain terms are provided. A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification including examples of any terms discussed herein is illustrative only, and is not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in this specification.

Without intent to further limit the scope of the disclosure, examples of instruments, apparatus, methods and their related results according to the embodiments of the present disclosure are given below. Note that titles or subtitles may be used in the examples for convenience of a reader, which in no way should limit the scope of the disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, the present document, including definitions will control.

Embodiments of the present disclosure include a perforating gun loading and storage facility, generally having a steel frame structure with a steel plate external cladding.

In one aspect, the gun loading and storage facility has a floor, a roof comprising a single layer of steel and a vent for energy release, and a set of external walls enclosing a region between the floor and the roof forming an internal region within which a perforating gun is to be loaded and handled. Each of the set of external walls includes at least a layer of steel. The set of external walls are configured to remain substantially intact when explosives in the internal region are detonated.

Note that, in general, the flooring is made from solid pieces of concrete and does not include vents, openings for vents, or in most instances, openings for any other purposes other than to facilitate robust connections between multiple pieces of concrete that make up the floor (e.g., concrete footings and concrete slabs).

Note further that, although the roof includes a layer of steel, the roof generally does not have the need for a shock and/or energy absorbing material and is formed, in one embodiment, without any shock and/or energy absorbing material (e.g., gravel, plywood, steel, and/or the like materials,) attached thereon or embedded therein, to obtain the desired blast resistance characteristics. The steel layer can be attached to a hollow structural section which is typically further connected to a layer of wood (e.g., plywood).

In one aspect, the facility is designed to remain intact and/or to contain the internal explosion when accidental detonation of explosives occurs. In particular, the facility is capable of remaining intact when a net explosives quantity (NEQ) of approximately up to 30 kg-TNT detonates within the structure and the explosives may be located in the storage area (e.g., magazine area) and/or the processing area (e.g., the gun loading area). The derived structural response of the building under these maximum detonation conditions implicates that the internal explosion is contained within the facility without failure. In addition, the fragments and debris (e.g., sharp, hazardous building fragments) do not accelerate past a predetermined standoff distance.

FIG. 1A illustrates a top view 100 of the example layout of a gun loading and/or storage facility 102 showing the storage area 103 and the process area 105, according to one embodiment.

The gun loading and storage facility 102 is generally designed and built such that the internal region is suitably sized for including at least the storage area 103 and the process area 105, allowing, for example, personnel to carry unloaded guns into the facility 102 for loading or storage purposes. The size and layout of the facility 102 may be such that it is sufficient for personnel (e.g., authorized and/or trained personnel) to carry explosives within the facility 102 to/from different areas for storage and/or loading purposes.

For example, during the gun loading process, unloaded guns may be placed on the work table while personnel disassemble the gun. The personnel may further carry explosives from the magazine to the work table, install the explosives in the gun, and proceed to reassemble the gun, after which the guns become loaded and can be carried to and placed on the completed gun rack 108 for storage. Thus, the facility 102 should typically accommodate for working space, walking space, and storage space, as depicted, for example, by the storage area 103 and the process area 105.

The process area 105 can include magazines 104A/B in which the explosives, ammunition, bombs, and/or other explosive materials for guns or other types of weapons are to be stored. In one embodiment, the magazines are at least partially enclosed (e.g., enclosed on three sides) by a magazine wall (e.g., a concrete magazine wall). In the example of FIG. 1A, the magazine 104A is enclosed on at least three sides by the magazine wall 119. The magazine 104B is also enclosed on at least three sides by the magazine wall 119. The magazine wall 119 has a continuous elongated portion opposite to a side of access to the first and second magazines 104A/B. In one embodiment, the magazine wall 119 is formed from substantially concrete and/or any additional robust or blast resisting material including but not limited to steel, gravel, plywood or any combination of the above that is suitably dense for stopping debris and absorbing shock energy.

The process area 105, in one embodiment, includes holding racks 106A/B for holding unloaded guns and/or other types of weapons and a work table 118 on which the guns/weapons may be placed when being loaded with explosive material. In general, the magazines 106A/B and the loaded gun racks 108 can safely store, up to and/or slightly exceeding a total of at least 120 kg of explosives and ensure the blast resistance in the event that all or most of the explosives accidentally detonate. For example, each magazine 106A/B is designed to withstand approximately 30 kg TNT+/−5-10%. Each of the storage area 103 and process area 105 is designed withstand approximately 30 kg TNT+/−5-10%.

The required Q-D standoff distances computed for 120 kg TNT placement described is illustrated in Table 1 of FIG. 1C for pressure of 1.34 PSI and 0.74 PSI in the front, rear and sides of the gun loading/storage facility. A graphical depiction of the position of the ‘front’ and ‘other’ sides of the gun loading/storage facility is illustrated in the example of FIG. 1D. A graphical illustration of the constant pressure contours surrounding the gun loading/storage facility associated with the Q-D standoff distances listed in table 1 is depicted in the example of FIG. 1E.

The storage area 103 may further include a holding rack 108 for loaded guns and/or other types of weapons. An interior wall 117 typically separates the storage area 103 and the process area 105 and can be, for example, connected to the magazine wall 119 and the set of walls (external walls around the parameter of the facility enclosing an internal area within). The interior wall 117 typically includes a steel layer and the structure of which is illustrated in detail with further reference to the example of FIG. 5.

The interior wall 117 can serve to isolate the storage 103 and process 105 areas and protect personnel working in the process area 103 from any accidental detonations that may occur in the storage area 105 (e.g., the holding racks for loaded guns 108). For example, the interior wall 117 allows the facility to withstand each of the storage 103 and process 105 areas to withstand at least 30 kg TNT+/−5-10%.

In addition, the facility 102 includes a personnel door 110 and a door barrier 112 disposed a predetermined distance from the personnel door 110. The personnel door 110 is, in one embodiment, 3-ft W×6-ft L although other dimensions may be used. For example, the personnel door 110 could have a smaller width or greater width that is designed to withstand predetermined amounts of pressure. The physical configuration and placement of the door barrier 112 relative to the personnel door 110 is illustrated and described with further references to the examples of FIG. 6 and FIG. 11.

The door barrier 112 placed in front of the personnel door 110 can prevent fragments from being blasted beyond predetermined standoff distances. In one embodiment, the personnel door 110 is located adjacent to the processing area to allow ease of access of the personnel loading or unloading guns to the processing areas without having to pass through the areas where explosives are typically stored (e.g., the magazines 104A/B and/or the holding rack for loaded guns 108).

In one embodiment, the facility 102 further optionally includes a pipe entrance door 114A adjacent to the processing area 105 and a door barrier 116A displaced a predetermined distance from the pipe door entrance 114A. The facility 102 further optionally includes a pipe exit door 114B adjacent to the storage area 105 and another door barrier 116B displaced a predetermined distance from the pipe exit door 114B. The pipe entrance doors 114A and/or 114B can be used to load and unload guns into the facility 102. Note that the personnel door 110 may be used to transport loaded/unloaded guns into and/or out of the facility 102 thus the pipe entrance/exit doors 114A/B are optional. Similarly, personnel may enter/exit through pipe entrance/exit doors 114A/B. Therefore, the personnel door 110 is optional when personnel can enter/exit the facility 102 via the pipe entrance/exit doors 114A/B.

Note that the doors 110 and 114A/B may be blast resistant or they may not meet blast requirements since door barriers are placed in front to block fragments and other types of debris that may result from an explosion inside the facility. In one embodiment, the personnel door 110 and the pipe entrance/exit doors 114A/B are Type 4 “NRCan Standards” vault doors that are designed to be opened from the interior of the facility 102. In general, the doors 110 and 114A/B include hollow metal and panic hardware.

FIG. 1B illustrates a view 150 of an example layout of the gun loading and/or storage facility 102 showing the roof vents 122, according to one embodiment.

The roof vents 122 are disposed on the roof and are designed to be blown open or otherwise displaced in the event of detonation for release of explosion energy. The placement of roof vents 122 are illustrated with further reference to the example of FIG. 9A. Although six vents are illustrated, any number of roof vents 122 may be used on the roof and is considered to be within the scope of the disclosure.

In one embodiment, the roof vent 122 (e.g., vent, blow out panel, etc.) is made from a light-weight material (e.g., light-weight panel) sealed to the roof that can break a part in the presence of pressure. The light weight material is generally not made from glass but from plastics or other polycarbonate materials. In addition, a layer of steel grating may be disposed exterior to the top of the light-weight panel. The steel grating allows pressure to exit but retains any particles and/or debris within the facility. In the example of FIG. 1B, two vents are oriented over each of the magazine 104A/B, the work table 118, and the holding rack for loaded guns 108, respectively.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view 200 of an example of the main frame section of the gun loading and/or storage facility, according to one embodiment.

The side view 200 shows the facility having a roof 210, a set of walls 206, an interior wall 208 (e.g., interior fragment mitigation wall), footing sections 202A/B, and floor slabs 204. The footing 202A/B and slabs 204 form the flooring and is typically comprised substantially of concrete. For example, the floor includes a first footing 202A having four sides surrounding a parameter of the facility and a second concrete footing 202B.

The second footing 202B is generally within the parameter of the facility is connected to two opposite sides of the four sides of the external walls, see for example, FIG. 7A. The concrete footings 202A/B are typically each approximately 2.5-ft×4.5-ft. Concrete slabs 204 are connected to and between the first and second footings via steel reinforcement. The concrete slabs 204 can be approximately 4-inch thick. Note that the flooring is formed from substantially concrete and/or other types of solid/robust material and does not include openings for vents, blow-out panels, or other openings for the like purposes. Note that alternatively, the flooring may include in-floor heating (e.g., a hydrophonic heating system). The in-floor heating is heated by a boiler that is piped out of the facility and obviates the need for a rough-neck heater which may spark and cause a fire in the event of an explosion.

The frame structure typically includes a steel frame. In one embodiment, the steel frame is configured such that the main section is constructed from combining two halves 205 and 215. The two halves 205 and 215 can be bolted together at the roof mid-span and further welded together at center support 218 to reinforce the connection. In one embodiment, the wall column 206 and roof beam 210 are comprised of hollow structural sections (HSS). In one example, the HSS are 12×4×½″ steel sections (A500 Grade B) that are spaced apart from one another by approximately 4-ft on the center. The A500 Grade B steel is advantageous in that columns and beams formed from such material have been determined to have a yield strength of approximately 46-ksi. In one embodiment, the frame sections are spaced part from one another by approximately 2-ft on the center near the section of the building where the magazines are located.

In addition, a roof beam 216 spans the length of the building at the crown of the roof 210. In one embodiment, the roof beam 216 is formed from a hollow structural section. The HSS is, in one embodiment, a 13×4×½″ steel section. One embodiment includes secondary roof beams to connect the roof beams to each other (not visible in FIG. 2) that span between each roof beam. The secondary roof beams are typically located where the exterior steel plate is connected to each other.

FIG. 3 illustrates a sectional view 300 of the external wall 306, according to one embodiment.

The external walls of the perforating gun loading and storage facility enclose a region between the floor and roof forming an internal region within which guns and/or other types of weapons can be disassembled, assembled, loaded, unloaded, and otherwise handled. Each of the set of external walls, for example, can include a layer of steel and is designed to be blast resistant in the event of detonation of explosives inside the facility. Under most circumstances, the external walls remain substantially intact when explosives in the internal region of the perforating gun loading and storage facility are detonated. For example, the set of external walls are to remain substantially intact when explosives of up to approximately or near 30-kg TNT are detonated.

In general, the external wall 306 is constructed to prevent intrusion from the exterior of the perforating gun loading and storage facility. For example, a Type 4 Magazine wall is preferably used for such purposes. Alternatively, Type I, II, and/or III Magazine walls may be used. In one embodiment, the exterior wall 306 includes a layer of steel 302 (e.g., ¼″ plate) connected to a hollow structure section (HSS) 312 (e.g., 12×4×½″) on one side of the HSS 312. Another layer of material 304 (e.g., ¾″) may further be connected to the internal side of the HSS 312. The layer 304 may be although is not limited to plywood. One embodiment further includes an optional layer of spay-on foam for heat insulation (e.g., to retain the heat building) adjacent to the internal side of the layer of steel 302.

Furthermore, the external walls 306, in one embodiment, are filled with shock absorbing material to absorb the energy released during detonation and to limit lateral distribution of debris cause by explosion. The shock absorbing material can include, but is not limited to, gravel, cement, wood, fiberglass, and/or polymers. In one embodiment, the shock absorbing material is filled in the external walls 306 to a height of approximately 7-ft or another suitable line of sight height.

The corner joins of the external walls 306 can be reinforced with a steel angle to prevent the corners from failing in the event of pressure build up inside the facility. For example, the steel angle can have the dimensions of L3×3×¼″. Additionally, a steel strip (e.g., 2-inch wide and ¼″ thick) can be attached to the exterior plate seams of the external walls. The steel strip is preferably continuously welded to the plating although other mechanisms of assembly maybe used.

FIG. 4 illustrates a sectional view 400 of the roof cladding 410, according to one embodiment.

The roof can be formed from a layer of steel and includes vents or vents having blow-out panels for release of energy during an explosion. The layout of the vents are illustrated with further reference to the example of FIG. 9A. The roof is designed for energy release and for minimization of the distance of outwards travel of debris and/or to prevent fragments from exiting. In one embodiment, the roof cladding 410 includes a layer of steel 402 (e.g., ¼″ plate) connected to one end of an HSS 414 (e.g., 12×4×½″). A layer of plywood 404 (e.g., ¾″) may further be connected to the opposite end of the HSS 414 and is disposed internal to the layer of steel 402.

In addition, a steel strip (e.g., 2-inch wide and ¼″ thick) can be placed at the exterior plate seams of the roof 410. In one embodiment, exterior plating is used to ensure continuity at the wall to roof connection and at the crown of the roof. In one embodiment, a steel angle (e.g., L3×3×¼″) is used to reinforce the exterior plating seam where the end wall and the roof 410 are connected.

Note that, in general, the roof 410 is neither embedded with nor filled with shock/energy absorbing material. Although the roof 410 can in theory be embedded with, filled with, and/or otherwise attached to shock/energy absorbing material, the gun loading and storage facility is able to meet the predetermined blast requirements without.

FIG. 5 illustrates a sectional view 500 of the interior wall 508 that separates the process area from the storage area, according to one embodiment.

The interior wall 508 can be constructed to protect the process area and any personnel working or walking around the process area from the storage area which contains loaded guns. In the event that accidental detonation occurs in the loaded guns in the storage area, personnel in the process area can be adequately protected from direct exposure to pressure waves and accelerated fragments.

In one embodiment, the interior wall 508 is formed from two Type 4 magazine walls separated by an air gap 512 for shock absorption. For example, the interior wall 508 includes a layer of steel 504 and a layer of plywood 510 separated by shock absorbing material 506. The layer of steel is attached to another layer of plywood 502. The shock absorbing material 506 may include gravel. The other side of the air gap 512 is another layer of plywood 510, shock absorbing material 506, a layer of steel 504, and another layer of plywood 502.

In general, the steel layer 504 is approximately ¼″, the plywood 502 and 510 are approximately ¾″. The crushed gravel may be approximately but is not limited to ¼″. In one embodiment, the shock absorbing material 506 is filled to a thickness of approximately 3″.

FIG. 6A illustrates a top view 600 of an example door 602 and barrier 604 layout configuration, according to one embodiment. FIG. 6B illustrates a side view 650 of the example door 602 and barrier 604 layout configuration, according to one embodiment.

The barrier 604 is placed in front of the door 602 (e.g., door 110, 114A/B or FIG. 1A) to prevent debris or fragments caused by explosions from becoming lethal or damaging beyond a predetermined distance. The barrier 604 can include reinforced steel masonry to block door fragments or debris originating from inside the facility from accelerating beyond the predetermined distance. In one embodiment, the barrier 604 is suitably sized, placed, and/or constructed to capture fragments (e.g., door fragments) up to approximately 10-degrees 603 off the lateral pathway 605.

FIG. 7A illustrates an example foundation plan 700 showing the flooring having footings 702 and 704 and slabs 703/705, according to one embodiment.

The footings 702 surround the perimeter of the gun loading and storage facility and are typically anchored underground. In one embodiment, the footings 702 are predominantly formed from concrete. The perimeter wall footing anchorage 708 is illustrated with further reference to FIG. 7B.

One embodiment of the flooring further includes the center footing 704. The center footing 704 runs along the length of the facility and includes an anchor region 706 where the magazines are to be placed for further enhancement of the structural integrity of the floor and integrity of the entire facility. The anchor region 706 may also be formed from concrete. The center column anchorage 710 is illustrated with further reference to FIG. 7D.

Slabs 703 and 705 are held to the footings 702 and 704, for example, via reinforcement (e.g., steel reinforcement), to form the flooring in the facility. Other mechanisms of construction for attachment such as using welding, rivets, channels, hooks, and/or other types of fasteners may be used. The slabs are in one embodiment, formed from concrete of a thickness of approximately 4-inches thick. Alternate thicknesses may be used as well.

FIG. 7B illustrates an enlarged top view of a portion of the footing 708 that runs along the perimeter of the facility from FIG. 7A, according to one embodiment.

Two hollow structural sections 716 in the footing section 708 are shown in this illustration. HSS 716 is tubular steel can be filled with grout. In some embodiments, solid steel is used in lieu of the HSS 716. However, hollow steel is preferable due to better shock absorbance properties. In one embodiment, the HSS 716 is optionally filled with shock absorbing material such as gravel. The gravel may be ¼″ crushed and clean. The gravel is crushed such that there is more air space thus providing improved shock insulation. The footing 708 also includes L 5×5×¼″ portion 713. A plurality of threaded rods 718 to be used for bolting can be seen from the top. Cross sections 712 and 714 are depicted with further reference to FIG. 7C.

FIG. 7C illustrates sectional views 712 and 714 of the footing section 708 at the perimeter walls, according to one embodiment.

Threaded rods 718 that can be used for bolting a base plate 720 to the footing 702 in footing section 708. The base plate 702 is typically formed from steel can be poured into the concrete 718 The HSS 716 can also be seen from the sectional views 712 and 714. In one embodiment, the footing 702 includes at least one of the notches 722 as shown in the footing section 708. The notch 722 runs along the length of the footing 702 such that the slabs 703 and 705 (e.g., concrete slabs) can be attached to the footing. An enlarged version of portion 724 of the footing section 708 is illustrated with further reference to FIG. 7D.

FIG. 7D illustrates an enlarged view 724 of a portion of the concrete footing of FIG. 7C, according to one embodiment. In this view, a continuous plate 726 (e.g., made from steel) can be seen. In one embodiment, the continuous plate 726 is approximately ¼″ thick.

FIG. 7E illustrates an enlarged top view of the center column anchorage section 710, according to one embodiment.

The center column anchorage section 710 includes a layer of plywood 731 (e.g., ½″ plywood) and an HSS 733. Multiple threaded rods 732 are also visible in the top view. Cross sections 730 and 736 are depicted with further reference to FIG. 7F.

FIG. 7F illustrates cross sectional views 730 and 736 of the center column anchorage 710 of FIG. 7D, according to one embodiment.

The threaded rods 732 can be used to bolt the base plate 734 to the footing 704 in the center column anchorage section 710. One embodiment includes a steel angle 731 (e.g., L5×5×¼″) as a connection to the steel plate of the interior wall mounted on the footing 704. The HSS 733 can also be seen from the sectional views 730 and 736. In one embodiment, the footing 704 includes at least one of the notches 735 as shown in the center column anchorage section 710. The notch 735 runs a long the length of the footing 704 such that the slabs 703 and 705 (e.g., concrete slabs) can be attached to the footing 704.

FIG. 8A illustrates an example floor plan 800 showing layout of the walls of the perforating gun loading and storage facility, according to one embodiment.

The gun loading and storage facility is enclosed by a set of external walls 802. The set of external walls 802 encloses a region between the concrete floor (not shown) and the roof (not shown) forming an internal region 803 within which a gun is to be loaded, unloaded, assembled, disassembled, and/or otherwise handled. Construction of the external walls 802 is illustrated with further reference to wall section 812 of the external walls 802 in FIG. 8B.

In one embodiment, the facility also includes an interior wall 804 that separates the storage area and the process area (e.g., the storage and process areas as illustrated in FIG. 1). In one embodiment, the interior wall 804 is connected to the magazine wall 806 and one side of the external walls 802. Construction of the interior wall 804 is illustrated with further reference to wall section 810 of the interior wall 804 in FIG. 8B. In addition, the connection between the interior wall 804 and the external walls 802 is further illustrated with reference to connection section 814 in FIG. 8C. The corner seam 816 of the external walls 802 is illustrated with further reference to FIG. 8C.

The magazine wall 806 is typically although not always formed from concrete and is designed to enclose magazines 805 and 807. Each magazine 805 and 807 is enclosed on at least three sides by the magazine wall 806. In one embodiment, magazine wall 806 has a continuous elongated portion 809 opposite to a side of access 811 to the first 805 and second magazines 807. Multiple doors 808A/B/C may be used to access and/or exit the perforating gun loading and storage facility and openings can be formed in the walls 802 for accommodating one or more of the doors 808A/B/C. In one embodiment, door 808A is a personnel door and doors 808B/C are pipe entrance/exit doors respectively.

FIG. 8B illustrates a sectional view of a portion of the interior wall 810 and a portion of the exterior wall 812 shown in FIG. 8A, according to one embodiment.

The interior wall 804 includes two wall portions and separated by an air gap of, for example, approximately 3-5 inches, as can be seen in the interior wall section 810 having wall sections 811 and 813. In portions of the interior wall where wall columns exist (e.g., column 822), such as section 810, the two wall portions 811 and 813 enclose the wall column 822. In one embodiment, each of the wall portions 811 and 813 include an internal layer of plywood 826 and an external layer of plywood 818. The internal layer of plywood can be approximately ½″ which the external layer of plywood can be approximately ¾″, although other thicknesses may be used.

The external layer of plywood 818 is attached to (e.g., screwed on, bolted, glued, etc.) a layer of steel 820 on the interior side. The layer of steel may be approximately or around ¼″. In one embodiment, each of the wall sections 811 and 813 are filled with shock and/or energy absorbing material, such as, but is not limited to, gravel. For example, ¼″ crushed and clean gravel may be used to fill or embed the space between the internal layer of plywood 826 and the layer of steel 820. The thickness of the shock absorbing material can be approximately 2-4 inches on each side or thicker, for example, between 4-10 inches.

The exterior wall 802 generally includes a layer of steel 830 facing the facility exterior and a layer of plywood 836 facing the building interior. In some embodiments, materials other than plywood may be used. In portions of the exterior wall 802 where wall columns exist (e.g., column 834), such as section 812, the steel 830 and the plywood 836 enclose the wall column 834. The steel layer 830 typically although not necessarily ¼″ thick and the plywood layer 836 is typically although not necessarily ¾″ thick.

In one embodiment, the steel layer 830 is coated on its interior side with a layer of insulation 832 to insulate heat. The insulating material 832 may be sprayed on. Typically, the insulating material is approximately 1-3″ in thickness although more or less can be used though not generally thicker than thickness of the column. Furthermore, the exterior wall can be filled with shock absorbing material 838, such as crushed/clean gravel of approximately 10″ in thickness.

FIG. 8C illustrates a sectional view of a portion of the interior wall and exterior wall connection 814 and the corner seam 816 of the exterior wall illustrated in FIG. 8A, according to one embodiment.

The interior wall 804 and exterior wall 802 constructions are described in detail with reference to the example of FIG. 8B. Note that the interior wall 804 can be connected to the exterior wall 802 via a steel plate 850. For example, the steel plate 850 can be stitch welded to the plywood 818 and/or the steel 820. The thickness of the steel plate 850 is typically ½″ although other thickness can be used too. The corner seam 816 of the exterior wall 802, in one embodiment, has reinforcement steel angle plates 856 over the seam. The steel plate is, for example, L 3×3×¼″ in dimensions although angle plates of other sizes can be used. The corner seam 816 can also encompass a wall column 840 for additional reinforcement at the corners.

FIG. 8D further illustrates a sectional view 880 of a portion of the magazine wall 882 illustrated in FIG. 8A, according to one embodiment.

The magazine walls 882 are, in one embodiment, anchored to the roof 886 via hollow structural sections (HSS) 884 for reinforcement. The HSS 884 can be 12×4×½″ in dimensions although other sizes may be used. The layout of the HSS 884 can be seen with reference to FIG. 8A. Although seven HSS 884 are illustrated in FIG. 8A, any number of HSS can be used.

FIG. 9A illustrates an example roof plan 900 showing layout of the vents 908 on the roof, according to one embodiment.

The gun loading and storage facility includes a roof having at least a layer of material such as steel designed to contain vertically extruding fragments from an explosion and a vent for release of detonation energy to contain the internal explosion and minimize damage to externally adjacent structures/facilities and injury to near-by personnel.

The roof is typically made from steel material. In one embodiment, the roof includes alternating layers of plates 902 and hollow structure sections (HSS) 904 that are comprised substantially of steel. The plates 902 can be made from steel and may be ¼″ inches in thickness. The HSS 904 can have the dimensions of 12×4×½″. The roof beam 905 comprising of steel runs along the length of the facility includes columns 907. The roof beam section 910 without a column and the roof beam section 912 with a column are illustrated in detail with further reference to FIG. 9B.

The roof may also have openings 906 suitably configured for placement and operation of doors. Any number of openings 906 may be formed although three are illustrated in this example. The vents or blow-out panels can be placed where explosions are more likely to occur, for example, where explosives are most likely to be placed or stored. For example, vents 908 can be placed over magazines where explosives are stored, processing areas where personnel load explosives into guns, and/or in the storage area, where loaded guns are stored.

In one embodiment, the roof has six vents 908, two of which are positioned over the magazines, two of which are positioned over the storage area and another two are positioned over the process area. Additional or less vents can be used in any of these areas within the gun loading and storage facility.

FIG. 9B illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the roof 910 without a column connection and a portion of the roof 912 with a column connection illustrated in FIG. 9A, according to one embodiment.

The column-less roof portion 910 is reinforced by bolts 916. The bolts 916, in one embodiment, are bolted to the roof beam 905 and the HSS 914. In one embodiment, the HSS 914 has dimensions of 12×4×½″ and the bolts 916 are A490 bolts. The side view 918 of the roof portion 910 is illustrated with further reference to FIG. 9C.

The columned roof portion 912 is also reinforced by bolts 916. The bolts 916, in one embodiment, are bolted to the roof beam 905 and the HSS 914. In this instance, at least one of the bolts 916 is bolted through the column 970. In one embodiment, the HSS 914 has dimensions of 12×4×½″. The side view 920 of the roof portion 912 is illustrated with further reference to FIG. 9D. The bolting provides a strong joint without the need for welding. The bolts provide flex for the building—in other words, if pressure builds up, the bolts will allow the building to expand before releasing the pressure.

FIG. 9C illustrates a side view 918 and a cross sectional view 930 of the roof portion 910 without a column connection illustrated in FIG. 9B, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 9D illustrates a side view 920 and a cross sectional view 940 of the roof portion 912 with a column connection illustrated in FIG. 9B, according to one embodiment.

In one embodiment, the bolts 916 are bolted to a HSS center roof support 907 and 904. The HSS center roof support 905 enhances the robustness at the roof beam 905. Similarly, although eight bolts 916 are illustrated to be bolted to the roof beam 905, additional or fewer bolts can be used. The steel plate 938 can be welded and bolted to the column 932.

FIG. 10A illustrates another side view 1000 of the main frame section of the facility, according to one embodiment.

The main frame section includes the roof beam 1002 having a plurality of roof supports 1004. The roof beam 1002 is connected to a set of walls (e.g., wall columns) 1010 that enclose a region between the floor 1003 and the roof 1002 forming an internal region within which a perforating gun is to be loaded and handled. A cross section 1020 of the roof is illustrated with further reference to FIG. 10C. Details of the wall section 1030 having a wall support 1011 are illustrated with further reference to FIG. 10D. The floor 1003 typically includes footings sections 105 connected to slabs 1007, which in one embodiment, comprise substantially of concrete.

In one embodiment, the roof 1003 is continuous across the beam connection at the crown of the roof 1009 which may further include a hollow structure section 1012. The hollow structure section 1012, for example, can have the dimensions of 14×4×½″. The crown of the roof 1009 may further be connected to a center footing 1005 of the floor 1003 via a center column 1008 and an interior wall 1006.

FIG. 10B illustrates rear 1012 and front 1014 views of the main frame section of the facility, according to one embodiment.

The rear 1012 and front 1014 view show one example of the roof having an HSS 1016 and an L 3×3×¼″ 1018 over the corner seam. The front view 1014 shows the support structures on the front side of the facility and the rear view 1012 shows the support structures on the rear side of the facility. The HSS 1016 can have the dimensions of 12×4×½″. The beam/wall support section 1030 is illustrated with further reference to FIG. 10D. Note that in most instances, the plating of the roof is continuous across the roof crown 1009 and also across the corner 1017 between the roof and the wall column.

FIG. 10C illustrates a cross sectional view 1020 of a portion of the roof showing the roof support 1004 of FIG. 10A, according to one embodiment.

One embodiment of the roof includes an exterior layer of steel 1022 and an interior layer of interior wall 1026 separated by wall support 1004. The steel layer 1022 may be a ¼″ plate although other thicknesses may be used. The wall support 1004 typically comprises an HSS with, for example, the dimensions of 12×4×½″. The layer of steel 1022 may be coated on the interior with insulation 1024.

FIG. 10D illustrates the side view 1035 and cross sectional view 1030 of the beam/wall connection, according to one embodiment.

The beam/wall connection may be formed from the wall column HSS 1032 with bolting reinforcement 1036 around the wall support 1011. The HSS 1032, in one embodiment, has dimensions of 12×4×½″. Although four bolts 1036 are illustrated, additional or less bolts may be used.

FIG. 10E illustrates the side view 1045 and cross sectional view 1040 of the roof/end beam connection, according to one embodiment.

In the example shown, the connection includes bolting 1043 reinforcement around the roof beam 1041 and support 1042 connections. The corner seam reinforcement with L 3×3×¼″ can be seen in view 1045. The support 1042 is bolted via bolts 1043 with steel plates on each side of the support 1042.

FIG. 11A illustrates the side view 1100 and the cross sectional view 1108 of the door barrier 1102, according to one embodiment.

In the example shown, the door barrier 1102 is anchored to the ground 1104. The door barrier 1102 typically includes a door barrier member section 1140, which is further illustrated with reference to FIG. 11B. The door barrier anchor section 1120 includes bolts 106 for anchoring the door barrier 1102 to the ground 1104. The door barrier anchor section 1120 is illustrated with further reference to FIG. 11B. In one example, the door barrier 1102 is approximately W7-ft×H9-ft.

The door barrier 1102 may be formed from HSS 1108 surrounded by a steel plate 1110. In one embodiment, the HSS 1108 has the dimensions of 6×4×½″ and the steel plate 1110 has a width of approximately ½″. FIG. 11B illustrates the door barrier anchor section 1020 and the door barrier member section 1040, according to one embodiment.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to.” As used herein, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling of connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where the context permits, words in the above Detailed Description using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number respectively. The word “or,” in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.

The above detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the teachings to the precise form disclosed above. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the disclosure are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the disclosure, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, while processes or blocks are presented in a given order, alternative embodiments may perform routines having steps, or employ systems having blocks, in a different order, and some processes or blocks may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and/or modified to provide alternative or subcombinations. Each of these processes or blocks may be implemented in a variety of different ways. Also, while processes or blocks are at times shown as being performed in series, these processes or blocks may instead be performed in parallel, or may be performed at different times. Further any specific numbers noted herein are only examples: alternative implementations may employ differing values or ranges.

The teachings of the disclosure provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments.

Any patents and applications and other references noted above, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the disclosure can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references described above to provide yet further embodiments of the disclosure.

These and other changes can be made to the disclosure in light of the above Detailed Description. While the above description describes certain embodiments of the disclosure, and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the teachings can be practiced in many ways. Details of the system may vary considerably in its implementation details, while still being encompassed by the subject matter disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the disclosure should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the disclosure with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the disclosure to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the disclosure encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the disclosure under the claims.

While certain aspects of the disclosure are presented below in certain claim forms, the inventors contemplate the various aspects of the disclosure in any number of claim forms. For example, while only one aspect of the disclosure is recited as a means-plus-function claim under 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6, other aspects may likewise be embodied as a means-plus-function claim, or in other forms, such as being embodied in a computer-readable medium. (Any claims intended to be treated under 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6 will begin with the words “means for”.) Accordingly, the applicant reserves the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the disclosure. 

1. A gun loading and storage facility, comprising: a concrete floor; a roof comprising a layer of steel and a vent for energy release; and a set of external walls enclosing a region between the concrete floor and the roof forming an internal region within which a gun is to be loaded and handled; each of the set of external walls having a layer of steel.
 2. The gun loading and storage facility of claim 1, wherein, the concrete floor comprises a first concrete footing having four sides surrounding a parameter of the facility.
 3. The gun loading and storage facility of claim 2, wherein, the concrete floor further comprises a second concrete footing within the parameter of the facility and connected between two opposites of the four sides of the set of external walls and at least one concrete slab connected to and between the first and second concrete footings via steel reinforcement.
 4. The gun loading and storage facility of claim 1, wherein, the roof is formed without shock absorbing material.
 5. The gun loading and storage facility of claim 4, wherein, the roof further comprises a layer of plywood internal to the layer of steel.
 6. The gun loading and storage facility of claim 1, wherein, the vent comprises: a light-weight panel; and a layer of steel grating welded to the light-weight panel.
 7. The gun loading and storage facility of claim 6, wherein, the light-weight panel is formed from plastic.
 8. The gun loading and storage facility of claim 1, wherein, the internal region is suitably sized for including a storage area and a process area.
 9. The gun loading and storage facility of claim 1, wherein, the internal region comprises a storage area and a process area.
 10. The gun loading and storage facility of claim 8, wherein, the process area comprises a magazine.
 11. The gun loading and storage facility of claim 10, wherein, the magazine is enclosed on at least three sides by a magazine wall.
 12. The gun loading and storage facility of claim 11, wherein, the process area further comprises a second magazine enclosed on at least three sides by the magazine wall, wherein the magazine wall has a continuous elongated portion opposite to a side of access to the first and second magazines.
 13. The gun loading and storage facility of claim 9, wherein, the process area further comprises a holding rack for storing unloaded guns.
 14. The gun loading and storage facility of claim 9, wherein, the storage area comprises a holding rack for loaded guns.
 15. The gun loading and storage facility of claim 9, further comprising, an interior wall that separates the storage area and the process area.
 16. The gun loading and storage facility of claim 15, wherein, the interior wall is connected to the concrete magazine wall and the set of walls.
 17. The gun loading and storage facility of claim 15, wherein, the interior wall comprises a layer of steel and a layer of plywood separated by shock absorbing material.
 18. The gun loading and storage facility of claim 17, wherein, the shock absorbing material comprises, gravel.
 19. The gun loading and storage facility of claim 1, wherein, each of the set of external walls further comprises a layer of plywood external to the layer of steel.
 20. The gun loading and storage facility of claim 19, wherein, each of the set of external walls further comprises a layer of plywood external to the layer of steel and shock absorbing material disposed between the layer of plywood and the layer of steel.
 21. The gun loading and storage facility of claim 10, wherein, each of the set of external walls further comprises insulating material between the layer of steel and the shock absorbing material.
 22. The gun loading and storage facility of claim 1, wherein the set of external walls are substantially blast resistant.
 23. A gun loading and storage facility, comprising: a floor; a roof comprising a layer of steel and a vent for energy release; a set of external walls enclosing a region between the floor and the roof forming an internal region within which a gun is to be loaded and handled; wherein the set of external walls remains substantially intact when explosives in the internal region are detonated.
 24. The gun loading and storage facility of claim 23, wherein, the set of external walls to remain substantially intact when explosives of up to at least substantially 120-kg TNT are detonated.
 25. The gun loading and storage facility of claim 23, wherein, the floor comprises substantially of concrete without openings or vents.
 26. The gun loading and storage facility of claim 23, wherein, the floor comprises a first concrete footing having four sides surrounding a parameter of the facility.
 27. The gun loading and storage facility of claim 25, wherein, the floor further comprises a second concrete footing connected to two opposites of the four sides of the first concrete building within the parameter of the facility and at least one concrete slab connected to and between the first and second concrete footings via steel reinforcement.
 28. A gun loading facility, comprising: a floor without venting; a roof comprising a layer of steel and a vent including a blow out panel for energy release; wherein, the roof is formed without a shock absorbing material; a set of external walls enclosing a region between the floor and the roof forming an internal region within which a gun is to be loaded and handled; each of the set of external walls having a layer of steel.
 29. The gun loading facility of claim 28, wherein, the facility is substantially blast resistant for detonations of at least substantially 120-kg TNT.
 30. The gun loading facility of claim 28, wherein, the blow out panel comprises: a light-weight panel; and a layer of steel grating disposed exterior to the light-weight panel.
 31. The gun loading facility of claim 30, wherein, the light-weight panel is comprised of plastic. 